According to officials, the union territory administration plans to boost tourism in Andaman and Nicobar Islands by granting access to Aves Island in North and Middle Andaman district. This scenic island, also referred to as Coconut Island due to its abundant coconut trees, is currently closed off to visitors. However, with no accommodation options available on the uninhabited island, the administration has proposed a five-star eco-tourism resort through a public-private partnership.
The natural features at Andaman Aves Island (live and dead coral flat beds, coconut plantations, forest) and the pristine beach with a coastline of 2 km, make it an ideal destination for campers, they said.
Tourists reach the lighthouse on the southern tip of the island by trekking through coconut plantations and small jungle trails.
The local administration owns 2.75 hectares of land that will be leased to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Limited (ANIIDCO) for the development of the project in a Public-Private Partnership model and on a Design-Build-Finance-Operate-Transfer (DBFOT) model.
Five-star eco-tourism resort Aves Island will have 50 rooms with an investment of nearly Rs 36 core, where the concessionaire will be able to conduct activities like scuba diving, game fishing, forest trekking, nature camping, wellness center, etc.
Nandini Paliwal, ANIIDCO’s Managing Director, told PTI, “The Investor Conference organized by ANIIDCO in Delhi on December 4 for tourism and hospitality projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, received very encouraging responses.”.
The projects proposed to be implemented in PPP mode will succeed in bringing world-class sustainable tourism infrastructure with the active collaboration of the private sector.putting Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourism circuit. As a result, the islands and their inhabitants will benefit from socio-economic development.”
A Project Information Report has also been prepared for the holistic development of 14 additional tourist places under the “Development of Ecotourism Projects in Andaman Islands – 2023” banner. Memorandum (PIM) to bring the Andaman and Nicobar Islands on the global tourist map. Long Island has Lalaji Bay beach, Ross-Smith Island, Shaheed Dweep in North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and South Andaman.
In order to attract investors, ANIIDCO organized an event in Delhi on December 4 to collect feedback and suggestions from potential investors for the “Development of Eco-Tourism Projects in the Andaman Islands”.
The event was attended by Admiral D K Joshi (Retd), the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Chief Secretary Keshav Chandra.
As a result of various initiatives taken by the administration, the infrastructure related to connectivity, power, water supply, etc., will provide impetus to the development of tourism in the Islands.
The projects aim to provide world-class and sustainable tourism infrastructure with low environmental impact, while involving local residents.
As a result of such an investor’s meet, this beautiful Island is sure to become the most sought-after destination for both tourists and business leaders,” Surendra Prahladka, President of the Andaman Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI), said at the event.
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